The revitalization of downtown Salem as a place to live, work and shop got another boost with the opening of HOPE Plaza. Reporter Abbey McDonald attended the ceremony and got a peek inside at what will be home for victims of domestic violence.
In just days, a new program swings into action to help drug users stay out of jail and get back on track. Reporter Madeleine Moore explains how this Marion County program is designed to work.
In City Hall news, backers of the library are mobilizing again. Reporter Joe Siess reports on their hope city officials will restore library services with a tax increase to add back hours.
City officials share what has been the experience so far with body cameras worn by Salem police officers. Police Chief Trevor Womack ticks off the benefits.
In another report, city officials outline what they plan to do to cut traffic crashes and make the city safer. “We are forced to walk in the street where cars and drivers that do not pay attention are driving too fast,” one citizen told the city.
Volunteers have stepped up to fill slots on important advisory boards for the city. Find out who they are in Joe Siess’s story, in reporting you won’t find anywhere else.
Speaking of volunteers, neighborhood associations have been doing a great job of sharing their news for our monthly roundup. This collection is a quick way for you to find out what’s going on around the community.
In school news, Managing Editor Rachel Alexander reports on a new cell phone policy at Sprague High School. Across the country, schools are tightening student access to phones when classes are in session. And a coach is looking for high school girls who want to play rugby.
And the community will make transit history in September when electric buses start service on a northeast Salem route. Madeleine Moore reports on the ceremony celebrating the change.
Finally, a persistent team at a Salem funeral home found that a Salem man unclaimed by anyone after he died was a Navy veteran of Vietnam. Abbey McDonald explains what happened to result in a burial with full military honors.